[May 30, 2014]On Memorial Day, members of Salt Creek
A.B.A.T.E. joined with other chapters of the East Central Region of
A.B.A.T.E. along with several other motorcycle organizations and
motorcycle enthusiasts to ride in parade held by AmerenIllinois in
Decatur. The theme was " Welcome Home our Vietnam Veterans " in
honor of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. It gave these
veterans the respect in a homecoming they should have gotten when
they came home in the first place!

There were fire trucks from several communities around Decatur,
trucks and cars carrying veterans, police, and more motorcycles you
could count! The procession started at Coziahr's Harley Davidson in
Forsyth and proceeded to Ameren Plaza. The bikes were 4 wide for as
long as the eye could see. Most had American flags waving in the
breeze behind them. Once in the city limits of Decatur there were
1000 large flags lining the streets. There were also crowds of
people waving flags, signs of thanks, and one man with 2 pictures on
a piece of black fabric. The crowd loved the thunder of the bikes so
there was no lack of "cracking" the pipes!

The ceremony at Ameren Plaza was a humbling and emotional
experience. There was music and speeches and one speech given by a
Vietnam veteran who gave a glimpse into what the war was like for
him. There were tears observed, standing ovations, and many goose
bumps.

A table was also set up for those still POW/MIA and a statue for the
fallen.

This was the best way Salt Creek A.B.A.T.E. could show
honor and tribute this Memorial Day to our veterans, both past and
present, and our active duty service men and women today.

Salt Creek A.B.A.T.E. held a meat raffle in
which they sold only 200 tickets for a $250.00 gift card to
Mid-State Meats. The winner will be allowed to use the card as
needed rather than getting a large bulk of meat at once as it has
been in the past. The club drew the winner after the Snakeback Ride
on Saturday, May 24th. The winner was Vicki Bramwell Davis. Pictured
above presenting Vicki with her gift card is Teresa Goodman and
Johnny Jacks.